2010-01-31

How It's Done

Yes, I look forward to spring and showing skin again, but I was secretly glad when winter came back full force this week with cold temperatures! Maybe I was only glad because I've been wanting to wear this coat...my motives are very selfish indeed.

This outfit is what I use as my front line defense against the Canadian cold. It's a four part defense strategy consisting of; a coat, boots, ear warmers and a flask. That's right Winter, I'm looking cute and staying warm...

The Coat: Some people think this coat is ridiculously hideous and others think it is extremely awesome. I'm one of the latter people, not only is this coat really warm (the faux fur at the neck and collars are great guards against any cold air) but it's unique and well, awesome. I got it at a thrift store in nearly perfect condition, the only thing is that someone must have smoked in the same room as the coat... Just one more reason not to smoke, it hampers my thrifting experience... Anyways, I'm too cheap to pay to dry clean a clean jacket (you know how expensive suede cleaning is?) so I hung the jacket outside for a few cold and clear days. Problem solved.

The Boots: I bought these boots a few years ago and they have served me very well. It's no secret that I love brown leather boots and these are the winterized version. I have to polish them ALL the time but I reckon that's a fair trade for keeping my toes warm.

The Earwarmers: I'm embarrassed to say I paid $40 for these earwarmers. Ahhhh!! Not like me at all... and yes, far more expensive than the coat. I got them from the One-of-a Kind Show in Toronto and everything is super pricey, so I got desensitized to price and $40 suddenly seemed like a bargain. In my defense, they are hand knit, wool and really functional. The earwarmers are wide at the front to cover your ears and give you the look of wearing a cute toque but the back narrows down to a single button. Hence, you can have warm ears and keep your hair all fabulous. Yes, it's like having your cake and eating it... Out of guilt and because they are so handy, I've worn it enough to make it a worthwhile purchase.

The Flask: Drinking is a wonderful way to stay warm, it's even better when one drinks in front of small children playing hockey. They too, should learn that brandy is as effective and delicious as hot chocolate on a cold day and involves less prep time.

I kid, I kid... I have had this flask full of ameretto in my glove box since Linda's wedding (please do not lecture me on keeping flasks of booze in glove boxes, stupid, I know but completely accidental...) in October! It was the 'in case of panic flask'... It ended up not being used and it has sat in my glove box since... I think the lesson in all this, is that I need to clean my car more... or maybe just cleaning it at all would be good.

Love these photos. And that coat is HELLSA AWESOME. I'm always, always looking for things that kind of look like a Wyoming cattle man would wear them. Or a Navajo. Or both. There are lots of both. Why can't I be reborn as that?!?!

In answer to your question about picture sizing, there is a code I use, and I will email it to you. Also, may I feature you in an upcoming roundup post? You're probably one of my soulmates.

I saw your question to her about posting pictures that are larger. I have a way to do it that does not involve having to change any HTML code. I would be happy to share it with you. Send me an email at styleartisan@yahoo dot com. You can take a look at the pictures on my blog to see the size that I post.

Meanwhile, I am so glad that I found your blog! I am definitely following you. I am a passionate thrifter, and I am in love with your coat. What a great find! You look amazing in it.

That earwarmer is totally flipping my burger! Hat at the front, hair at the back - genius! I love your blog in many ways, not least because I am learning so much about Canadian culture, eg how to deal with winter in new and exciting ways.

I DID USE IT! 3 times, I have a picture of me taking a swig. The difference is that I am a lady and don't chug alcohol. I think I am a fan of the coat, anything extremly warm makes me swoon. You know how I feel about my outerwear... Oh and the boots? Jealous!